Trade rumor: Rangers taking a huge risk with Nash!

The New York Rangers have no choice but to wait and see where they stand by the  Feb. 26 trade deadline. As the deadline approaches, a huge decision will be made about winger Rick Nash, and one could backfire in the Blue Shirts' faces...

According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, there is a lot of uncertainty in the Big Apple when we discuss the future of Nash with the Rangers. Brooks suggests Nash’s greatest value to the club could be as a “blue-chip rental property to exchange for futures as the Feb. 26 trade deadline approaches." However, Rash could remain with the team if GM Jeff Gorton continues to believe they are still heading for a playoff run. 

If the Rangers remain in Cup contention, Brooks doubts Nash will be traded, even at the risk of his departure via free agency. The 32-year-old is eligible for unrestricted free agent in July as he is in the final season of an eight-year, $62.4 million contract. However, he will surely get less on the next deal, as the Rangers need to take care of several players, including J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes, Jimmy Vesey and Brady Skjei, who are set to become restricted agents this summer. 

Nash has been quite clear about his desire to stay in New York, and Brooks wonders if a four-year contract worth between $5 – $5.5 million annually could be more realistic for both camps. 

“Staying here is my first choice. Definitely,” Nash said. “If they come to me with an offer, or indicate they’d like to talk about it at some point during the season, I’d be good with it. I’d certainly be willing to talk and sign a new deal if both sides were happy with it."

If the Rangers can clinch a playoff spot, there are chances that Gorton's risk will pay off... However, with younger players all due for new contracts and with over $51 million invested in just 11 players, Nash might be lost for nothing in the offseason. Quite the risk to take.

The next few months are crucial for the Rangers, and Nash...